Izou's inner joy didn't last long, because apart from his own brother, he also saw the Hundred Beasts' officials.
"Kiku, what's going on?"
"Brother, things are somewhat complicated. If possible, could we find a quiet place to talk?"
Looking around at the nearby pirates, Kikunojo seemed unwilling to discuss the matter at that moment, instead signaling Izou to speak elsewhere.
"There's an island nearby, let's head there then."
This is the difference between rookie pirates and seasoned ones of the New World. In the Grand Line, regular navigation tools are completely useless; one has to rely on Log Poses to reach the next island.
Seasoned pirates possess numerous Eternal Poses, allowing them to go directly to their destination without storing magnetic fields.
The island Izou mentioned had weak magnetic fields, which is why the Log Pose of the previous pirate ship pointed to a different island.
...
"Alright, we can talk now. The crew won't hear us."
Izou didn't understand why Kaidou's officials were out alone with his brother, nor was he clear about what had happened to Kikunojo during this time. He just watched Drake cautiously.
Even with one eye bandaged, she was still a formidable opponent in Izou's eyes.
"Don't be so tense, brother~ I'm not here to fight you this time. To be precise, we're allies for now, especially since my injury was inflicted by your traitor."
"Wait, who are you calling 'brother'?"
"Isn't it you? Aren't you Kiku's brother? In that case, calling you that doesn't seem inappropriate."
"Stop!"
Due to Kikunojo's presence, they didn't fight. But Drake's words carried too much information for Izou to take in at once.
"Kiku, what exactly is happening?"
"Brother, it's not what you think. I mainly want to borrow a Radio Snail from you, and Miss Drake's injury was caused by that guy Blackbeard..."
Stopping Drake's ramblings, Kikunojo quickly explained the previous events.
"Is Teach really that strong?"
Kikunojo's description made Izou's expression turn grim. He didn't like Drake, given that they were enemies, but he acknowledged her strength. None of the numbered members of the Hundred Beasts were easy to deal with, and those ahead of the cadres had been rising in fame recently.
The fact that Blackbeard could injure Drake, who was NO.4, far surpassed Izou's expectations.
He originally thought Blackbeard killed Thatch through a sneak attack, but now it seemed far more complicated.
"That guy stayed on your ship for years, and you didn't even get the slightest information on him? If it were Brother Queen, he would've dug up every last detail on his ancestors."
"Kiku, why not seize this rare opportunity and come with me? Don't return to Wano Kuni now; come back to father instead."
Izou openly persuaded Kikunojo, wanting to bring him back to the Whitebeard Pirates.
To Izou, Wano Kuni now seemed like a den of tigers and wolves. Escaping would be the best option, but Kikunojo's thoughts differed from Izou's.
"Sorry, brother, I can't leave with you now."
"Why? You don't need to worry so much about these things..."
"No, brother, I have my reasons. I can't just leave with you like this. If convenient, please lend us a Radio Snail."
...
Seeing Kikunojo's resolute gaze, Izou ultimately chose to respect his brother's decision. He trusted his brother, believing he wouldn't insist on something without a reason.
After leaving a Radio Snail, Izou and the members of the Whitebeard Pirates left the island, continuing to pursue Blackbeard and Ace according to Kikunojo's information.
Meanwhile, Drake also dialed a familiar number.
"Hey, hey, King, have you been resting well lately?"
Among the high-level officials, she had only King's private Radio Snail number. With Rotom damaged, King was the only person she could contact.
"Speak directly."
"Well... there's been an accident here. Could you send a doctor over? Preferably someone skilled in surgery or ophthalmology for temporary treatment."
"Wait."
King's reply was very direct, ending the communication with Drake in just two words, making her feel the current speed of the Hundred Beasts.
About four hours after the call ended, the shadows of two Dragonites appeared above the island, carrying two doctors from Ghost Island and medical equipment according to the Life Card's guidance.
Had it not been for the equipment and doctors, the Dragonites could have arrived even faster.
After some temporary treatment, the Dragonites took them back to Ghost Island, ending Drake's vacation early.
...
Upon returning to Ghost Island, Kikunojo and Drake temporarily separated to handle their own matters.
Kikunojo went to report to Kozuki Hiyori, while Drake was taken directly to King by the Dragonites.
"Long time no see, King."
Drake greeted with a smile, not paying attention to King's unpleasant expression.
"Trash."
"Hey, King, you'll hurt my feelings talking like that. Is this how you welcome your beloved subordinate?"
"Enough nonsense. Making you my troublesome deputy was undoubtedly my biggest blunder. You're aware of what's prepared for you on Holy Mountain, go get treated yourself."
"Uh, King, how about I go a few days later?"
Those doctors had described her condition as very serious, making Kikunojo quite tense during the journey.
She planned to take advantage of her injury, such chances don't come twice.
"What do you think?"
Seeing King with a look ready to draw his sword, Drake stopped talking nonsense and headed towards Holy Mountain.
Meanwhile, King also left the palace in Flower Capital, heading directly to Ghost Island.
With Arceus and Shaina absent, Ghost Island was occupied only by Kaidou, who was idly watching opera performances. Seeing King's arrival, Kaidou directly threw a wine jar.
"Kaidou."
"King, come drink up, these newly set plays are quite interesting."
To cater to Kaidou's preferences, the drama industry of Wano Kuni had also blossomed, constantly developing and giving rise to many new classic dramas over the years.
"No, Kaidou, I want to go out for a bit. Could you assign my recent tasks to someone else?"
"Hmm? Did something happen?"
"It's nothing major. But my subordinate encountered some issues outside, and I need to deal with it."